Turbo Tax Experts
- Service model: In-person tax preparation at TurboTax stores (select markets) and specialist offices (nationwide, appointment only); Virtual appointments are also available with local experts. Walk-in service at stores, by appointment at specialist offices
- Pricing: $150 for expert-prepared returns by 2/28/26 (new full-service customers only; including all tax forms); Standard Expert Full Service pricing applies after promotion. Same prices whether met in person or virtually. State Additional Returns
- Expert Matching: Tax professionals are matched based on your tax situation (W-2s, self-employment, investments, rental property, etc.); Local experts familiar with state and local tax considerations; Average 13 years of experience
- What is included: Complete tax preparation from an expert, in-person or virtual meetings, year-round access to your expert at no additional cost, 100% accuracy guarantee, maximum refund guarantee, audit support, ability to track preparation progress online
For decades, TurboTax has been synonymous with DIY digital tax filing. But the company is making a major pivot — bringing professional tax preparation to physical locations across the U.S. through TurboTax stores and specialist offices.
This represents TurboTax’s first major foray into brick-and-mortar tax services, competing directly with H&R Block’s nationwide network of 10,000+ offices. The difference? TurboTax is building a hybrid model that combines the convenience of local offices with the technology and guarantees that build their online reputation.
What makes Turbo Tax Specialists different?
TurboTax’s entry into physical tax preparation brings something new to the market – the ability to work with local tax experts in person or virtually, supported by TurboTax’s technology platform and comprehensive guarantees that traditional tax offices typically don’t offer.
Turbo Tax Stores vs Specialist Offices
TurboTax is rolling out two distinct types of physical locations:
Turbo Tax Stores Represents the company’s fresh, modern approach to in-person tax preparation. Opening in select markets starting in 2026, these locations are designed for both scheduled appointments and walk-in traffic. The stores provide a community-focused environment where you can ask quick tax questions, work on your return with guidance from a nearby expert, or leave everything entirely to an expert.
The stores are intended to feel less like traditional tax offices and more like accessible neighborhood resources. If you get stuck, you can start your return independently using TurboTax software with an expert, or book an appointment for full-service preparation. This flexibility addresses one of the biggest complaints about traditional tax offices – rigid appointment-only policies.
Offices of Turbo Tax Specialists are already available across the country and operate on an appointment-only basis. These offices provide professional tax preparation in a more traditional office setting. Although they lack the convenience of walking into stores, specialist offices give you access to local tax professionals who understand regional considerations such as state-specific deductions, local tax credits, and municipal tax requirements.
Both locations offer the option to meet in person or connect virtually with the same local specialist, providing flexibility based on your schedule and preference.
How local tax experts work.
The process is straightforward regardless of which location type you choose:
- Step 1: Schedule your appointment or walk in.
For specialist offices nationwide, you schedule an appointment online or by phone. For TurboTax stores in select markets, you can either book ahead or walk in during business hours. - Step 2: Choose your meeting format.
Even after booking an in-person meeting, you can go for a virtual meeting if it’s more convenient. Your local specialist handles both formats seamlessly. - Step 3: Bring or pre-upload the documents.
You can bring your tax documents to hand, or securely upload them through TurboTax’s platform before your appointment. If you arrive without documents, experts can still discuss your tax situation and provide guidance. - Step 4: The specialist prepares your return.
Your assigned specialist handles the entire preparation. You can track progress online as they work through your documents, review forms, and identify deductions. - Step 5: Review and File
A specialist reviews your completed return with you, explains your tax situation and answers questions before you file. They sign as a preparation, taking professional responsibility for accuracy. - Step 6: Year-round access
After filing, your expert is available throughout the year at no additional cost. Need help with a mid-year tax question? Want guidance on quarterly estimates? Wondering how life changes affect your taxes? Your specialist is accessible by phone, chat, or video.
Expert matching and availability
TurboTax matches users with experts based on the complexity and specialization of the tax situation. If you have self-employment income, you qualify as an experienced person on Schedule C business reporting. Cryptocurrency investors get experts familiar with digital asset taxation. Rental property owners work with experts who understand the rules of depreciation and passive activity.
Specialists in both stores and offices have an average of 13 years of tax preparation experience and may hold credentials such as a CPA, EA (enrolled agent) or tax attorney license, although these are not required for all positions. Importantly, TurboTax’s matching system considers your specific needs rather than assigning you whatever is available.
Availability varies by location and season.. During the peak tax season (January to mid-April), stores and specialist offices operate with extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Specialist offices are available throughout the year during regular business hours, with extended availability closer to the September and October extension deadlines.
Benefits
- Physical locations provide personal comfort.
For taxpayers who prefer face-to-face meetings, Turbo Tax Stores and specialist offices provide that traditional experience. You can sit down with someone, ask questions in real time, and get instant answers without having to navigate software or video calls. - Flexibility between in-person and virtual
Unlike traditional tax offices that lock you into one format, TurboTax’s local experts handle both in-person and virtual meetings. Start with a face-to-face meeting, then switch to virtual for follow-ups if that’s more convenient. - Availability of walk-in stores
Turbo Tax Stores allow walk-in traffic, eliminating a major frustration with traditional appointment-only tax offices. Have a quick question? Need help with a part of your return? You can stop without scheduling weeks in advance. - Expert access is included throughout the year.
Traditional tax preparers often charge separately for consultations outside of filing season. TurboTax includes year-round unlimited access to your expert at no additional cost, starting April 15th. - Technology backed service with strong guarantees
You get TurboTax’s comprehensive guarantee package: 100% accuracy guarantee (TurboTax pays IRS penalties for errors), maximum refund guarantee (money back if you get a bigger refund elsewhere), and lifetime audit support. Traditional tax offices rarely offer this level of protection.
Disadvantages
- Currently limited store locations
TurboTax stores are opening only in select markets by 2026. Most of the country will not have access to a walk-in store experience and will have to rely on specialist offices or virtual meetings for appointments only. - Appointment availability can be tight.
During peak tax season, getting an appointment at your preferred time – especially for in-person appointments – requires booking well in advance. Last-minute filers may struggle to find availability. - A single specialist does not guarantee long term
While you may work with the same expert year after year if they remain with TurboTax and are available, there is no guarantee of continuity. Some taxpayers value a multi-year relationship with the same preparer. - More expensive than DIY options
From $150 (promotional offer through 2/28/2026) to several hundred dollars depending on complexity, expert-prepared returns cost significantly more than filing with TurboTax’s DIY products. For a simple W-2 return, the convenience premium may not justify the expense. - Some complex tax situations are not supported.
Turbo Tax’s local experts do not handle C-Corps (Form 1120), trusts and estates (Form 1041) or tax-exempt entities. These situations require special preparations.
The last word
Turbotax’s expansion into physical locations represents a significant strategic shift, directly challenging H&R Block’s dominance in brick-and-mortar tax manufacturing. The hybrid model – combining personal convenience with TurboTax’s technology platform and guarantees – creates a compelling alternative to traditional tax offices.
This service works especially well for taxpayers who value face-to-face communication but also want to switch to virtual meetings when convenient. The ability to walk into TurboTax stores without an appointment removes one of the biggest frustrations of traditional tax offices, although this benefit is currently limited to select markets.
The advertised price of $150 through February 28, 2026 makes expert preparation accessible and competitive with local tax preparers who often charge $200-500 for similar services. Combined with year-round expert access included in the price – some traditional offices charge separately – the value proposition is strong.
However, the limited rollout means that most taxpayers will still need to use TurboTax Expert offices (by appointment only) or virtual meetings rather than enjoying the walk-in convenience of stores. As the store network expands over the coming years, the service will become more accessible.
TurboTax’s guarantees – which last for the 7-year lifetime of your return – provide protection rarely found in traditional tax offices. If TurboTax makes a mistake that results in IRS penalties, they pay the penalty and interest. If you find out that you could have gotten a bigger refund in another way, TurboTax refunds your purchase price.
For taxpayers who want expertly prepared returns with the option of an in-person meeting – backed by strong guarantees and ongoing support – TurboTax’s Local Tax Expert initiative delivers. Just be prepared to book an appointment in advance during busy periods, confirm your local options (store vs specialist’s office), and confirm your tax situation is supportive before committing.
TurboTax’s new in-store initiative brings expert tax preparation to physical locations with the flexibility to meet in person or virtually. The combination of walk-in convenience (at stores), local expertise, technology-enabled service, and comprehensive guarantees make it a compelling alternative to traditional tax offices.
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